Districts are assigned to School Improvement Day Cohorts and this model shows how districts are collaborating above and beyond the KESA requirements. The curriculum leaders from east region districts meet monthly to support each other. This session is designed in the spirit of collaboration to explore models and support for school improvement. This session is relevant to all sizes (from 1A to 6A) of districts and to all roles/responsibilities.
The second version of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model began with the 2024-2025 school year. KESA’s aim is to improve student outcomes by focusing on a few high-leverage fundamentals through a highly collaborative process. If you are new to Kansas, new to your position or simply interested in learning more about the school system+L36+J35:L35+H31:L35
These meetings will focus on connecting systems by Fundamental to collaborate on implementation of their current KESA Action Plan. “Like-position” groups will be formed for informal discussions. Additionally, your Region or Cohort Executive will share key points for the upcoming school year. Bring your entire team to collaborate with others in your KESA Region/Cohort!
This presentation takes participants on a journey of what structured lIteracy looks like within each of the structures in the Kansas School Improvement Model. We will also explore how the fundamental of structured literacy intersects with the other fundamentals as you look towards a comprehensive model for school improvement. What does it look like to "do" structured literacy well? Come identfiy markers that can measure how your system is doing and explore opportunities to strenghten the good things you already have in place!
In collaboration with KSDE, the Kansans Can Competency Framework has expanded access to free professional learning and curricular resources for K–12. In this session, leadership teams will explore options to prepare educators to embed intra- and interpersonal strategies that enhance content instruction. Participants will access a newly developed self-study professional learning process with on-demand coaching. Discussion and planning time will be provided, and numerous implementation examples, including student academic outcomes at various school levels, will be shared.
Connecting Individual Plan of Study (IPS) to student career development and the district process of implementation of an IPS for each student that includes utilizing a portable electronic portfolio. This session will focus on the Individual Plan of Study (IPS) Elements and how they are connected to the career development model in preparing students to make informed career decisions, set career goals as they transition from school to post-secondary education and the world of work. We will cover how electronic portable portfolios can be utilized to document student success and how students can take ownership of their own learning. Utilizing the IPS process effectively in the district can help with the school improvement process regarding standards alignment by connecting it with family, community and business partnerships. AIR (American Institute for Research) recently developed a KSDE Electronic Portfolio Guide Aligned with Career Readiness Indicators. District-prepared programs of study samples will be shared.
Education Program Consultant and Individual Plan of Study Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education
Former Kensington Kansas Goldbug and Fort Hays State University Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Technology Studies and a Master Degree in Education Administration. An educator for 25 years in construction & design and SkillsUSA advisor. Currently serving as an education program... Read More →
Denise Lauber is a Public Service Administrator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl Perkins funds to Kansas School Districts.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT Redbud B 210
This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.
Districts on this panel: USD 266 Maize USD 440 Halstead USD 483 Kismet-Plains
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT Redbud B 210
